Cancer in Dogs

View PDF | Print View
Total views: 5249
Word Count: 285

Cancer is a very common occurrence in the dogs. It is the disease because of which most number of dogs looses their life.

Cancer is any malignant, cellular tumor; cancers are divided into two broad categories of carcinoma and sarcomas.

Some kinds of cancer are curable, some are treatable, and for some we can only provide comfort care.

The appropriate therapy that is to be provided to the infected dog depends on:

1) The type of cancer
2) The grade or stage of the cancer.
3) The location.

In order to be able to give you and your pet the best option, a definitive diagnosis and a staging workup must be performed. These procedures involve getting a biopsy or aspirate of the tumor, and examining for spread (Meta static sites) for that particular form of cancer. We can use palpation, ultrasound, radiographic studies and needle aspirates to look at the lymph nodes, lungs, spleen, liver and other Meta static sites. We will also need to know how the rest of your pet's body is working - are there problems with the kidneys or liver, is there diabetes or heart disease. These other diseases may be more serious than the cancer, or may change what forms of therapy are appropriate.

Cancer therapy in pets includes surgery, medications (chemotherapy), radiation therapy and other forms of therapy.

In general, most dogs receiving chemotherapy experience minimal side effects. Hair loss is exceptionally uncommon in most dogs, although some drugs can cause hair loss in dogs like Poodles. Dogs receiving chemotherapy should be able to perform and enjoy all of their normal activities.